Net-energy (eroei) for dummies, aka peak oil deniers Here’s a brief explanation of why net-energy aka EROEI (energy returned on energy invested) debunks claims of “energy independence” from U.S. shale oil deposits like the Bakken Formation in North Dakota & Montana. Yes, drilling technology has improved yields, but only incrementally, not exponentially. And that’s why shale remains an abundant delusion. Per the USGS, Bakken shale yields may never exceed 2 or 3%, and are typically on the order of 1% (the bulk of energy input is wasted). The shale exists over a wide area, but in shallow layers, and its porosity is highly variable. Hopefully, the analogy of getting water from clay vs. a lake will open some eyes on this topic. Various official reports on the Bakken shale and other formations (e.g. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911 ) have been taken out of contex...